The Compassion of Jackie Siegel – From Ruling Pop Culture to Philanthropy

Certain public figures will forever be in the modern zeitgeist. The iconic Jackie Siegel is certainly one of them.

Known predominantly for the legendary “The Queen of Versailles” documentary and several television series about her life, the remarkable story of this woman is forever memorable. Siegel is a household name. Her reign in pop culture is truly significant. Yet, to sit and visit with her is to gain a deeper understanding of how she became so incredibly well-known.

Siegel warmly embraces fame. Her grace and sensibilities on the matter are what make her unique. While others may just be thrilled to be in the limelight, Siegel has used her prolific stance for more than just jewels and fancy cars. And even more than just big houses – even the biggest house in America. She has built a dynasty of philanthropy that outshines all the riches in the world.

Siegel’s public persona is documented and spread throughout television and online worldwide. Her award-winning documentary feature, “The Queen of Versailles,” when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012, launched her global status. To this day, the film continues to be one of the most popular movies on Netflix and was even featured on Vogue’s list of “66 Best Documentaries of All Time.”

She earned the “Queen” moniker when a decade ago she and her husband, David Siegel, began an extravagant project to build the largest private residence in the United States, named Versailles. The ambitious construction ground to a halt as the 2008 recession dented their fortune. The rise and fall of their grand ambitions were captured in the critically acclaimed 2012 film based on their plans for the 90,000-square-foot behemoth near Orlando, Florida.

This intriguing fixture continued to make bold and memorable headlines with mainstream media across pages of Us Weekly, People, and more. She has additionally appeared on hit television shows like Bravo’s “Flipping Out”, “Below Deck Mediterranean”, “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, and ABC’s “Nightline & The Doctors.”

And now her life is being turned into a Broadway musical with some of the biggest hitters in the industry: Celebrated Oscar-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz and Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth come together this July for previews in Boston, with the “Wicked” actress taking over the leading role. With a book by Lindsey Ferrentino and direction by Tony Award-winner Michael Arden, “The Queen of Versailles” is a new musical exploring the true cost of fame, fortune, and family. The brilliant storyline follows her real-life tale, from computer engineer to Mrs. Florida to billionaires.

Being the embodiment of the American dream and living in a lavish lifestyle is so attractive that the world has been captivated by her for years. On paper, it is all golden glory. But the media darling is much more than meets the eye. Her history is special but has also been filled with trials and tribulations. Back in 2015, her daughter, Victoria Siegel, died from a drug overdose at just 18 years old. She was one of 129 Americans who lost their lives to a drug overdose that same day. Since then, a staggering number of families across the United States have lost a loved one to overdose. In fact, nearly 300 people die from a drug overdose every single day in this country.

It was this devastating tragedy that shook up Siegel and her family unit. Rather than letting grief swallow her up, she decided to forge a path of enlightenment. Knowing that she never wanted another family to suffer, she was empowered to launch Victoria’s Voice Foundation. Helping save lives by supporting the mission to advance initiatives, achieve policy changes, amplify education, assure critical resources, and applaud like-minded organizations to address drug abuse became her mission.

She and her husband, David, have pledged to save other families and individuals from having to suffer across America. They bring active awareness to the opioid overdose crisis and focus on ways to educate and reform. Through programs and forums, they have shifted minds and hearts, such as with the organization’s Victory Academy for Drug Education and Prevention. It is a diverse and versatile collection of education and prevention programming to meet the needs of communities and at-risk populations nationwide. Live speaking engagements and educational video series have impacted hundreds of thousands of people from students, parents, and educators to more marginalized communities in prisons and juvenile diversion programs.

As a trailblazing philanthropist, Siegel continues to spread her wings even further on a global scale. Her newest business venture is leading a successful product line that has a give-back component. Queen of Versailles Coffee was founded with the mission of being the world’s first ultra-premium coffee brand, offering a master reserve selection of green, single-origin, high-altitude coffee beans from the volcanic soil of the Acatenango region in Guatemala. Alongside business partner Michael Glovaski, the two have created a premium beverage in the market that is both in high demand and focuses on giving portions of profits to various charitable foundations around the world, including Victoria’s Voice Foundation.

Siegel’s demanding schedule is driven by her dedication and passionate ethos. The dynasty built on compassionate giving is always elevating the community for the icon. Her regal nature is felt when you are in her presence and apparent in her daily rituals of giving that are matched with self-care.

A majestic figure in the courts of her networking circle, she frequently finds herself out and about promoting her foundation and businesses. It is the former beauty queen’s honor to always entertain and educate, and luckily for those around her, she does it with epic style. Wearing fashionable selections from the Grey/Ven summer collection and jewels from Christopher Designs fit for her royal nature perfectly.

Luxury brands are synonymous with Siegel’s stature. The timeless essentials of both her lines enhance her air of confidence and sumptuous elegance that so many expect from a modern pop icon like herself. Grey/Ven is a brand proud to share its passion for sustainability and quality of care in its fabrics. With knits and cashmere from Italy, the best vegan leather from Japan, and pieces crafted in the U.S., Grey/Ven has curated the best offerings from around the world in one place. Christopher Designs is equally worldly and sophisticated. From New York’s legendary master jeweler Christopher Slowinski, the master jewelry craftsman combines his classic training with modern technology to create exclusive designs, including his patented Crisscut stones elegantly showcased on popular rings.

It all seems so effortless for a queen who naturally recognizes the powerful message of presence. Charismatic and forever charming, Siegel always finds a reason to smile and be golden every single day. Despite the ups and downs in her kingdom, she will forever be the queen of the castle, full of dignity and pride in what she does to accomplish simply being a good human.

If the world had more people like Siegel, it would easily be a better place. For now, though, her reign will continue to be a shining example of how to give back to the world in the most beautiful way.

For more information on Jackie Siegel, visit  Jacquelinesiegel.com

For more information on Victoria’s Voice, visit Victoriasvoice.foundation

For more information on Queen of Versailles Coffee, visit Qvcoffee.com

For more information on Grey/Ven, visit Greyven.com

For more information on Christopher Designs, visit www.Christopherdesigns.com